The 2025 Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival, jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office, was ceremonially inaugurated on May 12 by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister shared the following thoughts:
The Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival, held with the collective effort of all communities residing in the city of Colombo, is truly special. The religious harmony that exists within Colombo plays a significant role in making this event successful. Thanks to this harmony, we witness a large number of Dansals and Vesak festivities. These Dansals are organized through the collective efforts of people across the city, who contribute both financially and physically to make them possible.
The efforts made by the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero, to nurture Sri Lankan Buddhist enlightenment, Buddhist culture, and national identity not only among local Buddhists community but also to foreign Buddhists community and international visitors, must be sincerely appreciated.
At this moment, I also remember with deep sorrow those who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic bus accident in the Kotmale area, and I extend heartfelt sympathies to their families. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
The event was attended by Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Santosh Jha and other High Commissioners and Ambassadors including Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri and a distinguished gathering of guests.
